Ross Lough

Ross Lough is a small lake and nature reserve in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, set close to Lower Lough Erne. It suits visitors who would rather watch wetland life than tour a developed attraction.

Where is Ross Lough?

The lake lies in County Fermanagh in western Northern Ireland, among drumlins, the low rounded hills left behind by retreating glaciers. Its coordinates are roughly 54.37° N, 7.79° W. The Sillees River flows through the lough on its way to Lower Lough Erne. Do not confuse it with other loughs of the same name in Ireland, such as one in County Leitrim.

What will you see at Ross Lough?

The reserve is run by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and covers about 9 hectares. Its appeal is the mix of habitats: open water, swamp, fen and wet meadow. Water levels were lowered after drainage works on the Sillees, which added further variety to the vegetation.

Little grazing takes place, so reeds, sedges and bulrushes grow tall along the margins. In summer, yellow flag iris and purple loosestrife add colour. Only alder and willow cope with the ground flooding, so few trees grow here. A small wooded crannog, an artificial settlement island, sits in the lake. You can reach it on foot only in unusually dry spells.

How do you visit?

There are no visitor facilities and no car park. Plan a short stop with a camera or binoculars, and leave your car somewhere safe by the road. The ground is wet, so waterproof footwear helps. For access questions, you can call the reserve's site manager on 02866 344803.

For a wider view of the Sillees valley, Ross Lough and neighbouring Carran Lough, climb Tullybrack Hill. Komoot cycling routes also point to a viewpoint near Faugher.

When should you go?

Summer is best, when vegetation is at its fullest and the ground is firmer. In winter the reserve floods, and reaching the shore may not be possible. In spring and autumn, stick to the firm roads around the site.

Frequently asked questions

Is there parking at Ross Lough? No. The reserve has no car park and no visitor facilities.

Can I walk to the crannog island? Only when water levels are unusually low. Normally it stays cut off.

How big is the reserve? About 9 hectares, so it works as a short visit.

Where can I see the lough from above? Tullybrack Hill and the viewpoint near Faugher overlook Ross Lough and Carran Lough.

Is this lake in the Republic of Ireland? No. This Ross Lough is in County Fermanagh, part of the United Kingdom.